University of Illinois President Timothy Killeen says the school is committed to providing access to new students, despite the 7-month state budget impasse.  Trustees unanimously approved freezing tuition, along with a new background check policy on new university hires.

A new policy requiring criminal background checks for all new University of Illinois employees will not be implemented on the Urbana campus until November 1st, following a request from the Academic Senate.

The policy would involve all new hires at the U of I's three campuses, not just those with 'security sensitive' positions.  If approved by university trustees next month, it would take effect October 5.